Keeping Main Street Traditions Alive
The Story Behind Our Beloved Homecoming Cookout
For generations, the Homecoming Cookout has been more than just a meal — it’s been the heartbeat of our Main Street celebration. This cherished tradition began decades ago with Dirks Motors, becoming an essential part of what makes our homecoming special.
David Ericson, Nathan Harris of Akron, IA, and Michael still remember racing through the parade route as kids, following the irresistible smell of grilling hot dogs to the Dirks Motors cookout. It wasn’t just about the food — it was where neighbors became friends, where stories were shared, and where the entire community came together to celebrate. For countless families, grabbing that hotdog became as much a part of homecoming as the parade itself.
A Tradition Renewed
When Dirks Motors retired, our Main Street fell silent during homecoming. The missing cookout left a void that everyone felt. The parade rolled on, but something essential was missing — that gathering place where the whole community connected.
That’s when three local businesses stepped up to restore what our town had lost. Ag Optimus, Mike’s Inc., and Big Seed Ag recognized that some traditions are too important to let fade away. They didn’t just miss the cookout — they understood what it meant to our community’s spirit.
More Than a Meal
Today, the Homecoming Cookout 2025 stands as a testament to what makes our community special. It’s where:
- Generations connect — grandparents share stories with grandchildren
- Traditions continue — new families create their first homecoming memories
- Community thrives — local businesses give back to the people who support them all year long
What did the cookout include:
- Free hotdogs for the whole community
- A gathering place for friends and families
- The same warm welcome that’s defined this tradition for decades
- A chance to be part of something bigger than just a meal
Thank You to Our Community
Ag Optimus, Mike’s Inc., and Big Seed Ag are proud to continue this tradition because we believe in the power of community. The Homecoming Cookout isn’t just about feeding people — it’s about feeding the connections that make our town special.
Some things change, but the best traditions endure. The sponsors may have evolved, but the spirit remains the same: neighbors coming together, kids making memories, and a community celebrating what makes us unique.
We loved having you at the cookout and look forward to making more great memories together with this wonderful community.
The Homecoming Cookout 2025 was proudly sponsored by Ag Optimus Commodity Brokers, Mike’s Inc., and Big Seed Ag — local businesses dedicated to preserving our community traditions.
